Maxon just released a demo version of their modeller/renderer Cinema 4D. The 
interesting thing is that the demo is functional for 40 days, allows saving 
files and images (the only limitation being that you can't save pics larger 
than 640x480) and contains most of the main C4D modules, including Bodypaint 
(uv editor and painting module), character animation, particles, hair, 
sketch/toon rendering and their new global illumination engine. From what 
I've seen, the renderer is finally in the Vray/FinalRender class, i.e. it 
produces fast, clean results with minimal fuss. Lots of the goodies 
(including GI) can be found in the Render settings, under the Effects 
button.
For people who never tried a professional 3D tool, it's a good introduction 
as C4D is a rather user-friendly application and less daunting than others 
(one can figure out the basic stuff by oneself).

The download (around 600 Mb) is done in two steps: the demo itself (that was 
made for the Siggraph) and an update that makes saving files possible.

http://www.maxon.net/pages/download/downloads_e.html

G.

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